WHO #WorldMentalHealth Day 2019 focuses on raising awareness of the scale of #suicide around the world and the role that each of us can play to help prevent it.
Worldwide, 800,000 people die by suicide each year – one every 40 seconds – making it the second leading cause of death among young people (aged 15 to 29), the #WorldHealthOrganization (WHO) said on Thursday, spotlighting #suicideprevention as the theme for this year’s #WorldMentalHealthDay.
“#Mentalhealth has been neglected for too long,” Secretary-General António Guterres said in a video message for the Day, saying it needs to be addressed urgently, as a matter “that concerns us all.”
“We need stronger investments in services. And we must not allow #stigma to push people away from the assistance they need. I am speaking my mind because I care deeply” he said, “there is no health, without #mentalhealth.”
#JamesDonaldsononMentalHealth –
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
The #WorldHealthOrganization (WHO), supporting this year’s international Day, has said that each year, the proportion of #suicides accounts for more deaths than war and homicide combined.
A well-established link exists between #mentalhealth and #suicide in developed countries, and the trauma from experiencing disaster, violence and abuse, are also strongly associated with #suicidal behavior, according to the agency’s latest figures, published last month, ahead of #WorldSuicidePreventionDay.
In the past, the United Nations and partners have drawn attention to different aspects of #mentalhealth on the World Day, from #mentalhealth in relation to children, the workplace, stigmatization of issues, and psychological first aid – or ways in which to lend support to the distressed.
This year, WHO and global partners are echoing the call of September’s World Suicide Prevention Day through promotion of the “40 seconds of action campaign”, aimed at raising awareness of #suicide around the world, and methods of prevention.
To date, only a few countries have included eliminating #suicide among their health priorities, and only 38 report having a national prevention strategy, WHO reports. Though #suicides are preventable, #stigma and taboo surrounding #mentalhealth have not been addressed in many societies.
Reduction measures can be taken by individuals and society at large, to prevent #suicide and #suicide attempts – here are some of WHO’s recommendations:
- Reducing access to the means of #suicide.
- Responsible media reporting on the topic.
- School-based interventions.
- Early identification, treatment and care of people with #mental and substance abuse disorders.
- Training of non-specialized health workers in the assessment and management of suicidal behaviour.
- Follow-up care for people who attempted #suicide and provision of community support.
In a move to ensure a healthy work environment for its staff, the #UnitedNations implemented a framework of #mentalhealthresources best practices for its thousands of staff, in 2018.
WHO’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP), launched globally in 2008, serves as an evidence-based guide to scale up services for #mental, neurological and substance use disorders.
It’s 2013-2020 action plan sets a global target of reducing #suicide rates by 10 per cent by 2020, in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which sets a target of cutting #suicide rates by one third up to 2030.
In a joint mission targeting youth, WHO in partnership with the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) will convene a global conference on child and adolescent #mentalhealth next month, on 7 November.
World experts and young advocates are set to gather for a three-day consultation in Florence, Italy, to address growing gaps in #mentalhealth services for children and young people. Worrying data shows #suicide as the leading cause of death among youth aged 15 to 19.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
